Out of form: Rio Ferdinand (right) is outmuscled by
Fernando Torres, who scored Liverpool's first goal against
Manchester United in October's match at Anfield
Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of action until after
the New Year after being told he needs at least six weeks of rest
and physio work to heal his injured back.
The
Manchester United
centre-back has been plagued by back trouble since last season and
the issue is said to have contributed to several poor displays this
term, as well as causing other problems elsewhere in his body.
But Ferdinand is now ready to cure the problem for good, even if
it means a lengthy lay-off, according to the Sun.
The England defender had hoped to be back by the start of
December, but is likely to miss United's 11 remaining fixtures in
2009, adding to the four games he has sat out since the 2-0 loss at
Liverpool in October.
United medical staff are investigating the possibility that
Ferdinand, 31, might need his hip realigned to relieve strain on
other parts of his body, including his back, says the
newspaper.
Meanwhile Ferdinand's defensive colleague Nemanja Vidic should
be ready to play against
Everton on Saturday after suffering no complication to
his calf injury during his return to action in Serbia's 1-0 win
over South Korea.
